What are the long-term effects of the premature infant?

Sometimes premature babies grow to be completely normal children. Over 90% of infants weighing more than 1,500 grams, or about 3 pounds, survive. The rate decreases to 40% for infants weighing less than 750 grams, or about 1.5 pounds. Of the babies who survive, severe developmental problems occur in 5% to 10% and mild developmental problems in another 10 to 25%. The smaller a baby is at birth, the more likely the baby is to have serious difficulties. Whether the baby's initial hurdles turn into long term issues depends in large part on what happens in the first few months after birth.

* If a baby needs to be on a ventilator for a long time, lifelong breathing problems can result. Being chronically ill makes it hard for these infants to grow normally.
* If a baby needs high levels of oxygen, the eyes can be affected. Some of these babies become blind.
* If a baby is on certain types of antibiotics, trouble with hearing can develop.

Premature birth or LBW also carries a higher risk of cerebral palsy and mental retardation. These babies can develop seizures as well. VLBW infants may have problems with learning and school performance.